Fastback vs. Family Hauler: How the 2027 QX65 Differs from the 2026 QX60

Fastback vs. Family Hauler: How the 2027 QX65 Differs from the 2026 QX60

Posted on April 28, 2026

INFINITI has two mid-size luxury SUVs on its roster, and while the QX60 and QX65 share some DNA, they are built for meaningfully different buyers. Drivers in Ontario who are exploring the INFINITI lineup right now may find themselves wondering how these two models relate — and whether the QX65 is simply an updated QX60, or something else altogether.

The short answer: it's something else entirely. The 2027 QX65 is a newly introduced fastback SUV that takes INFINITI in a sportier, more driver-focused direction. Here's a clear look at what separates it from the 2026 QX60, and what each vehicle is designed to do.

Key Differences at a Glance

A Completely Different Silhouette

The most immediately obvious difference is how these vehicles look. The QX60 is a conventional three-row family SUV — upright roofline, wide proportions, and a cabin designed to maximize interior volume. The 2026 update gave it a sharper front grille and illuminated INFINITI emblem inspired by the QX80, but the fundamental shape is practical and upright.

The QX65 starts from a completely different design brief. INFINITI calls it a fastback SUV, and the profile makes that clear: the roofline arcs dramatically toward a rear spoiler, giving the vehicle the flowing silhouette more commonly associated with sport coupes. The stance is low and wide, with wheels pushed far to the corners and muscular fender shaping. It draws direct inspiration from the brand's FX models, which earned a loyal following for exactly this kind of visual boldness.

The QX65 also introduces Sunfire Red — a new paint colour requiring a three-layer application that embeds genuine gold-coated glass flecks into the finish, creating a look that shifts with light and movement.

The Space Trade-Off

If you're a family in London, Ontario who regularly fills three rows of seats, the QX60 is the vehicle for that job. It seats up to seven passengers and offers a 2,135 L cargo maximum with all rows folded. AUTOGRAPH grade replaces the bench with second-row captain's chairs for a six-seat layout with additional personal space.

The QX65 is a five-passenger vehicle with no third row. What it trades in raw passenger capacity, it makes up for in everyday cargo practicality: with the second row in place, it offers 1,014 L of luggage space — more than double the QX60's rear-only capacity of 411 L when the third row is occupied. For drivers who regularly carry cargo rather than a full complement of passengers, that's a meaningful advantage.

The QX65's second row slides, reclines, and folds flat, so the balance between legroom and cargo space can be adjusted for each trip.

Performance and Driving Character

Both vehicles share the same core powertrain: the 2.0 L 4-cylinder VC-Turbo engine producing 268 hp and 286 lb-ft of torque, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and standard Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. Both tow 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) when properly equipped.

The character of that performance differs. In the QX65, the transmission shift schedule has been tuned specifically for a sportier, more decisive feel — faster off the line and more responsive on the highway. INFINITI also added Active Sound Enhancement to the QX65, a system that amplifies the sportier tones of the exhaust while Active Noise Cancellation filters out road and wind noise. The result is a cabin that feels more alive during spirited driving without sacrificing refinement at cruising speeds. The QX60 has Active Noise Cancellation but not the Active Sound Enhancement system.

Technology: Shared Core, QX65 Additions

Both models carry a solid standard technology package: dual 12.3-inch displays, Google built-in with Google Maps and Google Play app access, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and ProPILOT Assist driver assistance.

The QX65 goes further in a few areas worth noting:

• ProPILOT Assist is standard on all three QX65 grades (LUXE, SPORT, AUTOGRAPH), not reserved for upper trims
• Qi2 wireless charging is standard across all QX65 grades — the Qi2 standard allows up to 15 watts of output with a built-in cooling fan to prevent heat buildup
• ProPILOT Assist 2.1, which enables hands-off freeway driving on compatible roads, is available on QX65 AUTOGRAPH
• 64-colour ambient lighting with four Japanese-season-inspired colour presets is available on the QX65
• Active Sound Enhancement is exclusive to the QX65

Audio is comparable across both lineups. The QX65 SPORT gets a 16-speaker Klipsch Premium system with 600 watts of power and an 8-inch TriPower subwoofer. AUTOGRAPH steps up to a 20-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere system with 1,200 watts and Individual Audio — headrest speakers that let the driver and front passenger hear different audio content simultaneously. QX65 AUTOGRAPH also adds the Personalized Sound app, which calibrates audio output to each driver's individual hearing profile.

Which One Is the Right Fit?

Choose the 2026 QX60 if seating capacity is a priority. Three rows, up to seven passengers, and a well-proven platform make it the right choice for Ontario families who need the flexibility of a full-size cabin in a mid-size footprint. It's available to drive right now.

Choose the 2027 QX65 if you want something sportier and more distinctive — a two-row luxury SUV with fastback styling, a sharper driving character, and a focused lineup of three richly equipped grades. It's set to arrive at INFINITI retailers in early summer 2026.

Explore Both at London INFINITI

The team at London INFINITI can walk you through both vehicles in depth — from spec sheets to a hands-on look at the available models on our lot. Visit our London showroom to experience the 2026 QX60 today, and ask us about securing your place ahead of the 2027 QX65 arrival.